In both formal and informal situations, there are various ways to express the phrase “not working.” This guide will provide you with an assortment of terms, phrases, and expressions to help you effectively communicate this idea. Whether you want to convey a technical issue, a malfunction, or simply express that something is not functioning properly, we’ve got you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Not Working”
1. Faulty
A formal term to describe something that is not functioning correctly. For example: “I apologize for the inconvenience, but the printer is currently faulty.”
2. Malfunctioning
When something is not working as it should, you can say it is “malfunctioning.” For instance: “We are experiencing difficulties with the software, which is currently malfunctioning.”
3. Inoperative
If an object or a system is not working at all, you can use the word “inoperative.” For example: “The escalator is inoperative, please use the stairs.”
4. Out of order
You can use this phrase to indicate that something, such as a machine or equipment, is not functioning properly. For instance: “I regret to inform you that the coffee machine is currently out of order.”
5. Nonfunctional
This term denotes that something is not operational or not working as intended. For example: “The device appears to be nonfunctional, as it’s not responding to any commands.”
Informal Ways to Say “Not Working”
1. Broken
When something is not functioning correctly, people often use the word “broken.” For instance: “I’m sorry, but the TV is broken at the moment.”
2. Not functioning
A simple and informal way to express that something is not working as it should. For example: “The heating system in our office is not functioning properly.”
3. Acting up
When an object or a machine is behaving in an unexpected or erratic way, you can say it is “acting up.” For instance: “Apologies for the delay, our computer system is acting up today.”
4. On the blink
This phrase is commonly used to say that something is malfunctioning or not working as expected. For example: “Our internet connection is on the blink, so websites may load slowly.”
5. Out of order
You can also use this phrase informally to indicate that something is not functioning properly. For instance: “The elevator is out of order, please use the stairs.”
Examples and Tips
1. Make sure to provide additional details along with the phrase “not working” to offer clarity and help others understand the specific issue.
Example: “I’m sorry, but the sound on the computer is not working. I have checked the volume settings, but I still can’t hear anything.”
2. When explaining that something is not working, it is useful to mention the impact or consequences that this issue has.
Example: “The air conditioning in the office is not working, and it’s really hot in here. Can you please send someone to fix it?”
3. If possible, suggest a solution or an alternative when mentioning that something is not functioning as intended.
Example: “I’m afraid the printer is not working. However, you can use the printer on the second floor until this one gets fixed.”
Tip: When communicating a technical issue, it can be helpful to use terms specific to the subject matter. For instance, if discussing computer software, phrases like “crashed,” “frozen,” or “undergoing maintenance” can be more appropriate.
4. Consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use formal or informal language. In professional situations, it is better to lean towards the formal expressions, while informal phrases are more suitable for conversations with friends or colleagues.
Remember, effectively communicating that something is not working is essential to resolving the issue promptly. By using a variety of terms and expressions provided in this guide, you can convey the problem clearly, whether in a formal or informal setting.
